UPDATE: Four 12-year-old girls were left with potentially life-changing burns after a fire at a Brighton burger bar.
Although emergency services were called to reports of a “fireworks explosion” at Wendy’s in Western Road, police today said there was nothing to suggest fireworks had been used.
The girls remain in hospital this morning while the cause of the fire, which broke out in the toilet area, is investigated.
The restaurant and part of Western Road was cordoned off last night after emergency services were called at about 8.30pm.
One of the girls was taken to the Royal Sussex by paramedics and three others to the Royal Alex – the children’s hospital next door.
A police spokesman said: “Four 12-year-old girls sustained potentially life-changing burns injuries following an incident at Wendy’s in Western Road, Brighton, around 8.30pm on Thursday 31 October.
“They remain in hospital at this time, and our enquiries to establish the cause of the fire are ongoing.
“While we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1241 of 31/10.”
A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “We were called at appox 8.30pm last night to reports of a firework explosion at Wendy’s Restaurant in Brighton.
“Ambulance crews assessed four casualties at the scene before one patient was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital.
“Three more patients were transported to Royal Alexandra Hospital with minor injuries.”
A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 8.28pm to reports of an incident at Wendy’s on Western Road in Brighton.
“Three fire engines, an aerial Appliance and specialist officers attended and assisted our emergency services partners in making a property safe.
“ESFRS left the scene shortly after 10.15pm and Sussex Police remained on scene as the lead agency at that time.”
Horrendous. I hope that they all recover well.